In tsarist Russia the Cossacks usually lived in special settlements near the country's
borders, in Cossack villages/towns (stanitsa) and garrisons. Cossacks had to be
ready for war at any time, and in case of enemy invasion, Cossack lands would naturally
become a first line of defense.

In the figure below you can see on the map of the Russian Empire (1914) where the major
Cossack Hosts were located geographically. Click on the image map to read more on the
specific Cossack Host. The numbers on the map refer to: